Saints hadn’t won at home since July, and Wigan hadn’t won a non-Easter game at St Helens since 2003 - something had to give.

And from the opening set it was evident both outfits would not lack passion.

On a mild evening, in front of an electric crowd, they went toe-to-toe, slugging it out with as much energy and power as two seasoned heavyweights.

Both sides had put a strong emphasis on defence in the build-up, and it showed - the scoreline was just 6-6 at the break.

Bowen pounced on Joe Greeenwood’s spill for the game’s first clear chance, before Jordan Turner had claims for a try waved away by the video referee.

Joel Tomkins broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, charging onto Matty Smith’s sharp pass, and wrong-footing Adam Quinlan, to pace over for a try, converted by Bowen.

The visitors pushed for a second, forcing three successive drop-outs, but Saints did well to absorb so much pressure on their line.

In the 34th minute Luke Walsh drew level when he squeezed beyond Lee Mossop, and darted through for a try he converted.

In a dramatic finish to the half, two skirmishes - both involving Tony Clubb - erupted, to set the tone for a ferociously-fought start to the second half.

But it was a touch of fortune which allowed them to poke in front, referee Robert Hicks awarding Wigan a penalty for obstruction - when Mossop appeared to knock-on - and Bowen slotted the ball between the uprights.

If there was a touch of luck to that score, the next was all down to the magical footwork of Williams, who weaved through the defence, scorched down field and wrong-footed Quinlan - giving a quick salute to the travelling faithful - before sliding over. Bowen’s conversion made it 14-6 with less than half-an-hour remaining.

But moments later the Wigan No.1 had the ball stripped in a tackle, gifting Saints unexpected possession, and their offloads stretched the visitors’ line and Swift stepped through the covering defence.

Walsh converted from the sidelines to cut the Warriors’ lead to a slender two points.

O’Loughlin won a penalty in Saints’ territory, but the line didn’t creak under a heavy bombardment as the game hurtled into the final 10 minutes.

The thrills kept coming, fast and furious, as Quinlan’s break was hauled back for a harshly-ruled forward pass and then Gildart was held up over the line - only for Jones to have the final say.